Homophobic
bullying continues to be a problem for Scotlands
schools. Homophobic bullying can be directed at any student
or teacher within a school, regardless of their sexual orientation
or gender identity. Some young people may have parents,
friends or family members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual
or transgender (LGBT). Recent research surveys indicate
that LGB or T young people experience high levels of verbal
and physical abuse, often at school. Homophobic insults
are common place in the school playground, and can socially
exclude young people, leaving them living in fear of attack
or ridicule.

The
Scottish Executives social inclusion agenda, and the
move towards Health Promoting Schools status in Scotland
provide an ideal opportunity with which to challenge homophobia
head-on.

There
are a number of ways teachers can challenge homophobic bullying
in their school or youth setting, creating a safe environment
for all. Here are a few ideas:

Display
posters and leaflets to help LGBT young people feel valued
and included, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity.

Check
that the equal opportunities policy is inclusive of LGBT
people, and that the anti-bullying policy explicitly addresses
homophobia.

Arrange
for staff training to raise the profile of these issues,
and to encourage staff to challenge homophobia.

It
may also be helpful to consider homophobia within an anti-discriminatory
context, alongside sexism and racism. Why not set up a peer
education programme across all these issues, and allow young
people to explore their values and attitudes within the
safety of their peer group?

LGBT
Youth Scotland has over 15 years experience of working to
support LGBT young people, their families and carers, and
the professionals who work with them, and is committed to
supporting inclusion. In October 2003 LGBT Youth Scotland
launched a range of resources aimed at addressing homophobia
with young people. Our report Developing Practice
for the Reduction of Homophobic Bullying in Scottish Youth
Settings, and young peoples poster resource
set are valuable tools with which to challenge homophobic
bullying in your organisation.

New
Bullying Leaflet for Gypsy and Traveller Children and their
Families

The
Scottish Traveller Education Programme (STEP) has been funded
since 1990 by the Scottish Executive Education Department
to promote more inclusive practices in education services
to support Gypsies and Travellers throughout Scotland. In
August 2003, STEP published a pocket sized leaflet for Gypsy
and Traveller children and their families called Stop
Bullying Now! This leaflet offers advice about reacting
to and reporting bullying with short lists of dos and donts
for the young people and the families supporting them. The
leaflet makes the point that racist bullying is illegal
and that all children should be treated with respect. It
also reminds readers that all children have a right to go
to school until they are 16 years old.

Click
the STEP logo to the right to visit their website.

For
a copy please send a stamped addressed envelope to:
The Administrator
STEP
The Department of Educational Studies
Moray House School of Education
The University of Edinburgh
Holyrood Road
Edinburgh EH8 8AQ